Experiential Learning and Career Advancement

SCEC’s Office of Experiential Learning and Career Advancement (ELCA) is committed to investing in future earthquake scientists to meet current and future earthquake science challenges. Through its Internships and Transitions programs, ELCA provides research opportunities, networking, and resources to the SCEC community as a key strategy in effective student development, to encourage and sustain careers in STEM fields, and to support a diverse and inclusive geoscience pipeline. ELCA is organized into two programs: 

Internships Program provides meaningful research experiences to undergraduate students through their Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), Undergraduate Studies in Earthquake Information Technology (UseIT) internships, and Supported Opportunities for Undergraduates and Researchers to Collaborate on Earthquake Science (SOURCES) internships. 

Transitions Program aims to foster the growth of a more capable and diverse STEM workforce. The program’s research and workforce development initiatives provide students and early-career researchers (ECRs) support and resources in career development, research, and mentoring. Early-career events bring together students, postdocs, ECRs and senior researchers from academia and industry to share career experiences and advice to navigate critical career transitions.

ELCA  is committed to its mission to:

• Provide valuable research experiences for students that would otherwise not be exposed to geoscience education and career pathways.
• Forge partnerships with academics and industry professionals to develop career development initiatives that support a STEM educated workforce.
• Be dedicated to improving mentoring relationships by providing mentor/mentee trainings and facilitating mentoring opportunities.
• Foster and sustain a culture of diversity and inclusion.